Goal!Arsenal manage to equalise through Laurent Koscielny! 10 minutes left...can anyone grab a winner?
Manchester City 1-1 ArsenalLescott (40)
Koscielny (82)
Goal!
Things go from bad to worse for QPR as Tottenham take the lead thanks to Jermain Defoe!
Tottenham 2-1 QPR
Zamora (33)
Faurlin (59)-OG
Defoe (61)
Goal!
Alejandro Faurlín sadly nets beyond his own goal keeper to help Tottenham draw level
Tottenham 1-1 QPR
Zamora (33)
Faurlín (59)-OG
Full time
Newcastle 1-0 Norwich
Goal!
Completely against the run of play, Manchester City take the lead as Joleon Lescott heads in from a corner.
Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal
Lescott ( 40)
Goal!
We have our first goal from the 16:00 kick offs and it very unexpectedly goes to...QPR as Bobby Zamora put's Rangers ahead of Spurs.
Tottenham 0-1 QPR
Zamora (33)
Arsenal have so far been the better team, whilst it is still 0-0 they certainly look the brighter and the most likely to score.
Despite a lot of action at the Etihad, it's still 0-0 after 25 minutes. Very viewer friendly however.
We are back underway in Newcastle now.
Kick offs
We are now under way as Tottenham play QPR and Manchester City host Arsenal
Half time
Newcastle 1-0 Norwich
Penalty!
Newcastle get a great chance to double their lead with a penalty but Papiss Cissé fails to convert.
Full Time
Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United
Liverpool fans may not be happy but they had a number of great chances in the first half that they should have taken. Liverpool's season is off to a nightmare start and whilst it was a spirited performance it again showed their lack of killer instinct in front of goal.
Goal!
Newcastle have taken the lead against Norwich in our 15:00 kick off thanks to Demba Ba.
Newcastle 1-0 Norwich
Ba (20)
Injury!
Martin Kelly hobbles off appears to be in a lot of pain. Liverpool have used all their subs so will likely finish 9 v 11.
Manchester United Corner!
We are in the last minute of normal time and Manchester United get a corner. Taken short and wasted. We will have 5 minutes of stoppage time!
Liverpool Corner!
Liverpool get another corner but it's cut out very easily.
Yellow Card!
Robin Van Persie makes a silly challenge and gets a booking.
Close!
Liverpool come close to equalising but a headed attempt goes just wide.
Penalty! Yellow Card! Injury!
Manchester United break with Antonio Valencia and Glen Johnson makes a poor challenge, giving Manchester United a penalty. Remember Manchester United have missed 3 successive penalties. Pepe Reina has been booked for dissent. Daniel Agger has been inured and has had to be replaced by Jamie Carragher (all before Robin Van Persie has been able to take his penalty)...Goal!
Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United
Gerrard (46)
Rafael (50)
Van Persie (81-Pen)
Liverpool Corner
Liverpool are still the stronger team but their latest corner goes above everyone.
Manchester United Corner
We're into the 63rd minute and Manchester United finally get their first corner. It's wasted but it's a start.
Save!
Luis Suarez hits a solid shot and forces Anders Lindergaard to make a great save.
Yellow Card!
Paul Scholes picks up the first yellow card of the game.
Penalty appeal
Luis Suarez throws himself to the ground and appeals for a penalty. When will the Uruguayan learn? Stupid behaviour!
The sleeping giant has awoken
Manchester United seem to look like a team who actually want to play football now. Maybe it was the hair dryer though maybe it was the fact Liverpool scored...
Goal!
What a finish! Rafael nets a beautiful finish from an incredible angle to equalise with pretty much United's first shot.
Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United
Gerrard (46)
Rafael (50)
Pressure
United are showing their first signs of life as they have their first real period of offensive pressure.
Goal!
Within moments of the restart Liverpool take the lead as Steven Gerrard puts the ball past Anders Lindergaard
Liverpool 1-0 Manchester United
Gerrard (46)
Second HalfWe are now under way for the second half as Manchester United look to turn their fortunes around
Half Time
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester United
Liverpool have certainly bossed the half and I really mean bossed it, however at 0-0 Manchester United will be the much happier team and perhaps even feel fortunate to be level. The major talking point is of course the sending off of Shelvey, sadly for the Liverpool player he made the referee's decision easy with 2 bad challenges one after the other.
Liverpool Corner
Fabio Borini gets some space and plays a threatening ball, but it's turned behind before anyone pops it in.
We have a game?
Manchester United are starting to play their way in to this now. With the man advantage they seem to be able to find some space even if they haven't managed to make much of it yet.
Free Kick
Luis Suarez goes down VERY easily from a challenge by Rio Ferdinand. The free kick is saved well by Anders Lindergaard.
Red Card!
Jon Jo Shelvey stupidly gets himself sent off after 2 rash tackles in just moments. Liverpool's domination has come to nothing and this may well be the turning point. Johnny Evans the recipient of the second challenge has limped off to get treatment, though he'll be back on I assume.
Liverpool Corner
Liverpool get their 4th corner (United haven't had any yet) and this one is a huge waste going over everyone and straight out.
Free Kick
Patrice Evra takes down Raheem Sterling not far outside of the penalty area.Evra is lucky not to be booked. The free kick was headed wide by Luis Suarez.
Almost 30 minutes in...
This is 1-way traffic, Liverpool are just completely bossing the game but we're still 0-0 and their dominance hasn't paid dividends yet. Apparently the possession is 65%-35% in favour of Liverpool.
Penalty Appeal!
Danny Agger goes down to a loud appeal for a penalty and the referee ignores it. Rio Ferdinand appears to be badly injured.
Liverpool Corner
It's all been Liverpool aside from the solitary Ryan Giggs shot and they get another corner.
Liverpool chance
Liverpool are starting very well and split the Manchester United defense open but the final shot is poor.
Liverpool Corner
Rafael heads a cross over and the resulting corner is played along the ground, shot by Steven Gerrard it's in! Oh no it's not. Goes through everyone and just misses.
Close!
Just as soon as Manchester United come close, Liverpool take it up the other end and come even closer. Great work by Rafael and Anders Lindergaard to keep things level. Good start by Liverpool.
Close!
Shinji Kagawa passes to Ryan Giggs who shoots wide with the best shot of the early moments.
Liverpool Corner
Liverpool get the first corner of the match but it's easily cleared.
Today is a real Super Sunday and we start with Liverpool v Manchester United, a match that many expect to be either a very respectful match...or a fiery battle between two hatred rivals...lets see! Later on we have several other noteworthy games.
And we are off at Anfield!
Sunday 23 September 2012
Saturday 22 September 2012
Premier League Week 5-As it Happens (Saturday)
Fulltimes
Southampton 4-1 Aston Villa
Wigan 1-2 Fulham
West Ham 1-1 Sunderland
West Brom 1-0 Reading
Chelsea 1-0 Stoke
Goal!
Southampton complete and emphatic comeback by netting a fourth, via a Steven Fletcher penalty. What a signing Fletcher appears to be!
Southampton 4-1 Aston Villa
Bent (25)
Lambert (58, 90-pen)
Puncheon (72)
Yellow Card!
Chris Baird picks up a late booking as as Fulham hold on to their slender lead.
Goal!
Wigan have picked up a late consolation as Arouna Koné nets against Fulham
Wigan 1-2 FulhamRodallega (32)
Duff (68)
Kone (90)
Yellow Card!
Jussi Jääskeläinen picks up a late booking just moments after West Ham's equaliser.
Goal!
West Ham have left it late, but have managed to equalise thanks to Kevin Nolan
West Ham 1-1 Sunderland
Fletcher (10)
Nolan (90)
Yellow Card!
David Luiz picks up Chelsea's second yellow card.
Yellow Card!
Claudio Yacob picks up a late booking at West Brom try to hold on.
Yellow Card!
Winston Reid picks up West Hams first booking of the match.
Goal!
Chelsea have taken the lead against Stoke thanks to Ashley Cole.
Chelsea 1-0 Stoke
Cole (85)
Goal!
Jason Puncheon appears to have sealed the points for Southampton as they go 3-1 up.
Southampton 3-1 Aston Villa
Bent (35)
Lambert (58)
Clyne (63)
Puncheon (72)
Goal!
Romelu Lukaku finally breaks the deadlock as West Brom take the lead against Reading.
West Brom 1-0 Reading
Lukaku (71)
Yellow Card!
Steve Sidwell gets pics up a yellow just moments after Fulham pick up their second goal.
Goal!
Fulham double their lead against Wigan thanks to Damien Duff who has scored his 3rd goal of the season.
Wigan 0-2 Fulham
Rodallega (32)
Duff (68)
Yellow Card!
Nathaniel Clyne picks up a yellow card to go with his goal.
Goal!
Nathaniel Clyne puts Southampton in to the lead for the first time today as they go 2-1 against Aston Villa
Southampton 2-1 Aston Villa
Bent (35)
Lamber (58)
Clyne (63)
Yellow Card!
Craig Gardner gets his name taken as Sunderland remain ahead against West Ham.
Goal!
Ricky Lambert equalises for Southampton against Aston Villa.
Southampton 1-1 Aston Villa
Bent (35)
Lamber (58)
Booking
Eric Lichaj picks up a yellow card.
Yellow Card!
Oscar is booked for simulation. Harsh booking.
Half Times
Chelsea 0-0 Stoke
Southampton 0-1 Aston Villa
West Brom 0-0 Reading
West Ham 0-1 Sunderland
Wigan 0-1 Fulham
Yellow Card!
Aaron Hughes picks up the first booking of the Wigan v Fulham match.
Yellow Card!
Ron Vlaar picks up the first booking of the game between Southampton and Aston Villa
Goal!
Darren Bent puts Aston Villa in the lead against Southampton.
Southampton 0-1 Aston Villa
Bent (36)
Goal!
Fulham take the lead against Wigan as Hugo Rodallega scores against his former team.
Wigan 0-1 Fulham
Rodellega (32)
Yellow Card!
Charlie Adam picks up the first yellow card of Chelsea v Stoke match up.
Goal!
Steven Fletcher keeps up his amazing form and scores the first goal from the 15:00 kick offs by putting Sunderland up against West Ham.
West Ham 0-1 Sunderland
Fletcher (10)
Kicks offs!
We are now off at all the 15:00 kick offs! Remember folks we have no late kick off this evening.
Full time
Swansea 0-3 Everton
A well deserved victory for Everton who were the better team from the first whistle until the last.
Goal!
Finally Everton finish it off after a Leighton Baines free kick is headed by Marouane Fellaini, whilst the header appears to have taken a deflection it's surely a goal for the big Belgian.
Swansea 0-3 Everton
Anichebe (21)
Mirallas (43)
Fellaini (82)
How is this not over?
Everton have continued to dominate but still can't find a 3rd goal. They really should be out of sight by now in all honesty...
Yellow Card!
Leon Osman picks up Everton's first booking of the match.
Chance!
Great chance for Marouane Fellaini but he somehow misses.
Yellow Card!
Michu picks up a needless booking and Swansea may be lucky to finish with 10 men here!
Sending off!
Nathan Dyer came on at half time...and now goes off for a very early shower having picked up a second yellow card in just minutes.
Yellow Card!
Angel Rangel becomes the latest name into the referees book. Swansea now have 4 yellows.
Yellow Card!
Nathan Dyer gets his name taken by the referee for dissent.
Save!
Tim Howard may not have had a lot to do but what he's had to has been exceptional as he turns a Swansea shot behind for a corner.
Close!
How are Everton not 3-0 up? They came close 2 or 3 times there and really should have finished off the game!
Second Half
We are now under way for the second half, can Swansea find their way back in to this?
Half time
Swansea 0-2 Everton
Despite the fact that Swansea had some chances late on, they were thoroughly dominated by Everton who looked exceptional. 2-0 is probably a fair reflection of Everton's domination of the game however Swansea have had noteworthy chances and do seem to pose a threat when they do have the ball, though they don't seem to have it much.
Close!
Swansea come close to getting one back just before half time but Tim Howard keeps the the home side out.
Goal!
Everton double their lead as Kevin Mirallas bangs in his own rebound after hitting the woodwork. It was, in all honesty, the least that Everton deserved.
Swansea 0-2 Everton
Anichebe (21)
Mirallas (43)
Chance!
Swansea have their best chance but Michu heads over.
Game on!
For the first time in the match Swansea some solid pressure and appeal for a penalty however it all comes to nothing and Everton counter quickly. It seems like Swansea have finally woken up!
Yellow Card!
Everton's pressure is building as they look to double their lead and their attack has brought a foul by Ki Sung-Yueng who gets booked as a result. Swansea starting to look very frustrated.
Goal!
Just as I type that it's still 0-0 Everton take the lead after Marouane Fellaini gives the Swansea defense real problems before laying it off to Victor Anichebe who puts it past Michael Vorm.
Swansea 0-1 Everton
Anichebe (22)
Still 0-0
Everton have been bossing the first 20 minutes but have yet to manage to score.
Yellow Card!
Ashley Williams hasn't has a great start to the season and now he's very fortunate to still be on the pitch after a poor challenge. Was he the last man?
Close!
Kevin Mirallas comes close for Everton who have started very fast and could well have been 2-0 up inside the first 5 minutes.
Close!
Everton almost make an early break through via Victor Anichebe but Michael Vorm is equal to it.
Welcome to week 5 of the Premier League, our early kick off today sees Swansea, who are trying to bounce back from their loss last weekend to Aston Villa play Everton who were unfortunate in their last game (2-2 with Newcastle).
We now have kick off!
Southampton 4-1 Aston Villa
Wigan 1-2 Fulham
West Ham 1-1 Sunderland
West Brom 1-0 Reading
Chelsea 1-0 Stoke
Goal!
Southampton complete and emphatic comeback by netting a fourth, via a Steven Fletcher penalty. What a signing Fletcher appears to be!
Southampton 4-1 Aston Villa
Bent (25)
Lambert (58, 90-pen)
Puncheon (72)
Yellow Card!
Chris Baird picks up a late booking as as Fulham hold on to their slender lead.
Goal!
Wigan have picked up a late consolation as Arouna Koné nets against Fulham
Wigan 1-2 FulhamRodallega (32)
Duff (68)
Kone (90)
Yellow Card!
Jussi Jääskeläinen picks up a late booking just moments after West Ham's equaliser.
Goal!
West Ham have left it late, but have managed to equalise thanks to Kevin Nolan
West Ham 1-1 Sunderland
Fletcher (10)
Nolan (90)
Yellow Card!
David Luiz picks up Chelsea's second yellow card.
Yellow Card!
Claudio Yacob picks up a late booking at West Brom try to hold on.
Yellow Card!
Winston Reid picks up West Hams first booking of the match.
Goal!
Chelsea have taken the lead against Stoke thanks to Ashley Cole.
Chelsea 1-0 Stoke
Cole (85)
Goal!
Jason Puncheon appears to have sealed the points for Southampton as they go 3-1 up.
Southampton 3-1 Aston Villa
Bent (35)
Lambert (58)
Clyne (63)
Puncheon (72)
Goal!
Romelu Lukaku finally breaks the deadlock as West Brom take the lead against Reading.
West Brom 1-0 Reading
Lukaku (71)
Yellow Card!
Steve Sidwell gets pics up a yellow just moments after Fulham pick up their second goal.
Goal!
Fulham double their lead against Wigan thanks to Damien Duff who has scored his 3rd goal of the season.
Wigan 0-2 Fulham
Rodallega (32)
Duff (68)
Yellow Card!
Nathaniel Clyne picks up a yellow card to go with his goal.
Goal!
Nathaniel Clyne puts Southampton in to the lead for the first time today as they go 2-1 against Aston Villa
Southampton 2-1 Aston Villa
Bent (35)
Lamber (58)
Clyne (63)
Yellow Card!
Craig Gardner gets his name taken as Sunderland remain ahead against West Ham.
Goal!
Ricky Lambert equalises for Southampton against Aston Villa.
Southampton 1-1 Aston Villa
Bent (35)
Lamber (58)
Booking
Eric Lichaj picks up a yellow card.
Yellow Card!
Oscar is booked for simulation. Harsh booking.
Half Times
Chelsea 0-0 Stoke
Southampton 0-1 Aston Villa
West Brom 0-0 Reading
West Ham 0-1 Sunderland
Wigan 0-1 Fulham
Yellow Card!
Aaron Hughes picks up the first booking of the Wigan v Fulham match.
Yellow Card!
Ron Vlaar picks up the first booking of the game between Southampton and Aston Villa
Goal!
Darren Bent puts Aston Villa in the lead against Southampton.
Southampton 0-1 Aston Villa
Bent (36)
Goal!
Fulham take the lead against Wigan as Hugo Rodallega scores against his former team.
Wigan 0-1 Fulham
Rodellega (32)
Yellow Card!
Charlie Adam picks up the first yellow card of Chelsea v Stoke match up.
Goal!
Steven Fletcher keeps up his amazing form and scores the first goal from the 15:00 kick offs by putting Sunderland up against West Ham.
West Ham 0-1 Sunderland
Fletcher (10)
Kicks offs!
We are now off at all the 15:00 kick offs! Remember folks we have no late kick off this evening.
Full time
Swansea 0-3 Everton
A well deserved victory for Everton who were the better team from the first whistle until the last.
Goal!
Finally Everton finish it off after a Leighton Baines free kick is headed by Marouane Fellaini, whilst the header appears to have taken a deflection it's surely a goal for the big Belgian.
Swansea 0-3 Everton
Anichebe (21)
Mirallas (43)
Fellaini (82)
How is this not over?
Everton have continued to dominate but still can't find a 3rd goal. They really should be out of sight by now in all honesty...
Yellow Card!
Leon Osman picks up Everton's first booking of the match.
Chance!
Great chance for Marouane Fellaini but he somehow misses.
Yellow Card!
Michu picks up a needless booking and Swansea may be lucky to finish with 10 men here!
Sending off!
Nathan Dyer came on at half time...and now goes off for a very early shower having picked up a second yellow card in just minutes.
Yellow Card!
Angel Rangel becomes the latest name into the referees book. Swansea now have 4 yellows.
Yellow Card!
Nathan Dyer gets his name taken by the referee for dissent.
Save!
Tim Howard may not have had a lot to do but what he's had to has been exceptional as he turns a Swansea shot behind for a corner.
Close!
How are Everton not 3-0 up? They came close 2 or 3 times there and really should have finished off the game!
Second Half
We are now under way for the second half, can Swansea find their way back in to this?
Half time
Swansea 0-2 Everton
Despite the fact that Swansea had some chances late on, they were thoroughly dominated by Everton who looked exceptional. 2-0 is probably a fair reflection of Everton's domination of the game however Swansea have had noteworthy chances and do seem to pose a threat when they do have the ball, though they don't seem to have it much.
Close!
Swansea come close to getting one back just before half time but Tim Howard keeps the the home side out.
Goal!
Everton double their lead as Kevin Mirallas bangs in his own rebound after hitting the woodwork. It was, in all honesty, the least that Everton deserved.
Swansea 0-2 Everton
Anichebe (21)
Mirallas (43)
Chance!
Swansea have their best chance but Michu heads over.
Game on!
For the first time in the match Swansea some solid pressure and appeal for a penalty however it all comes to nothing and Everton counter quickly. It seems like Swansea have finally woken up!
Yellow Card!
Everton's pressure is building as they look to double their lead and their attack has brought a foul by Ki Sung-Yueng who gets booked as a result. Swansea starting to look very frustrated.
Goal!
Just as I type that it's still 0-0 Everton take the lead after Marouane Fellaini gives the Swansea defense real problems before laying it off to Victor Anichebe who puts it past Michael Vorm.
Swansea 0-1 Everton
Anichebe (22)
Still 0-0
Everton have been bossing the first 20 minutes but have yet to manage to score.
Yellow Card!
Ashley Williams hasn't has a great start to the season and now he's very fortunate to still be on the pitch after a poor challenge. Was he the last man?
Close!
Kevin Mirallas comes close for Everton who have started very fast and could well have been 2-0 up inside the first 5 minutes.
Close!
Everton almost make an early break through via Victor Anichebe but Michael Vorm is equal to it.
Welcome to week 5 of the Premier League, our early kick off today sees Swansea, who are trying to bounce back from their loss last weekend to Aston Villa play Everton who were unfortunate in their last game (2-2 with Newcastle).
We now have kick off!
Friday 21 September 2012
Premier League Week 4-Write up Everton v Newcastle
Everton 2-2 Newcastle
At it's best live sport is the best form of drama and we saw exactly why in this game as Everton were controversially denied victory against Newcastle in one of the truly outstanding games of the season so far.
Everton started the match quickly and took charge of the match from the opening whistle. Just moments after the kick off Everton had the ball in the goal thanks to Nikica Jelavic, however, the linesman rightly spotted him in an offside position disallowing the goal, it was to be one of 5 times Everton were to have the ball in the net.
Despite having Jelavics' "goal" disallowed it wouldn't be long before Everton did take the lead through Leighton Baines who finished off an excellent move with Steven Pienaar. It seemed almost certain that Everton were going to extend their lead before the half time mark, and with their dominance they probably should have done, but Newcastle did well to keep the score at 1-0.
The second half started like a completely different game and Newcastle came out like a house on fire. With in moments of the restart they came close, soon afterwards they Demba Ba equalised and the game seemed like it was flipped on it's head. Everton, who had thoroughly dominated the first half struggled to get the ball and it looked almost certain that Newcastle were going to score next and take the win.
Despite looking shell shocked, Everton battled their way back into the game and appeared to have taken the lead as Marouane Fellaini put in from a pass by Pienaar. Sadly this was ruled as offside, though replays suggest that the Belgian was onside and should have been given the benefit of the doubt. This decision appeared to really frustrate Everton who should have taken the lead again after Victor Anichebe's header crossed the line only for it not to be seen by the linesman. Both of these decisions really cost Everton who should have been 3-1 up.
Everton would finally score their second goal as Anichebe managed to put the Toffees in the lead just minutes from the end, sadly however Everton were caught napping traight from the restart and Newcastle grabbed an equaliser just minutes later as the match finished 2-2, with a lot of people looking at the officiating.
David Moyes has every right to feel annoyed at the officiating however he needs to really look at his own team who conceded just minutes after taking a 2-1 lead an appearing to claim all 3 points. It was a lapse of concentration that cost them just as much as poor officiating. He will however be pleased by the fact that Steven Pienaar and Leighton Baines were both tremendous througout the game.
Whilst Newcastle were very lucky their manager has to be happy. Not only were they the better team in the second half, but they also showed real fighting spirit to come from behind twice. They refused to be beaten and it's a real quality that they will need to show time and time again if they are to eclipse last seasons final position.
At it's best live sport is the best form of drama and we saw exactly why in this game as Everton were controversially denied victory against Newcastle in one of the truly outstanding games of the season so far.
Everton started the match quickly and took charge of the match from the opening whistle. Just moments after the kick off Everton had the ball in the goal thanks to Nikica Jelavic, however, the linesman rightly spotted him in an offside position disallowing the goal, it was to be one of 5 times Everton were to have the ball in the net.
Despite having Jelavics' "goal" disallowed it wouldn't be long before Everton did take the lead through Leighton Baines who finished off an excellent move with Steven Pienaar. It seemed almost certain that Everton were going to extend their lead before the half time mark, and with their dominance they probably should have done, but Newcastle did well to keep the score at 1-0.
The second half started like a completely different game and Newcastle came out like a house on fire. With in moments of the restart they came close, soon afterwards they Demba Ba equalised and the game seemed like it was flipped on it's head. Everton, who had thoroughly dominated the first half struggled to get the ball and it looked almost certain that Newcastle were going to score next and take the win.
Despite looking shell shocked, Everton battled their way back into the game and appeared to have taken the lead as Marouane Fellaini put in from a pass by Pienaar. Sadly this was ruled as offside, though replays suggest that the Belgian was onside and should have been given the benefit of the doubt. This decision appeared to really frustrate Everton who should have taken the lead again after Victor Anichebe's header crossed the line only for it not to be seen by the linesman. Both of these decisions really cost Everton who should have been 3-1 up.
Everton would finally score their second goal as Anichebe managed to put the Toffees in the lead just minutes from the end, sadly however Everton were caught napping traight from the restart and Newcastle grabbed an equaliser just minutes later as the match finished 2-2, with a lot of people looking at the officiating.
David Moyes has every right to feel annoyed at the officiating however he needs to really look at his own team who conceded just minutes after taking a 2-1 lead an appearing to claim all 3 points. It was a lapse of concentration that cost them just as much as poor officiating. He will however be pleased by the fact that Steven Pienaar and Leighton Baines were both tremendous througout the game.
Whilst Newcastle were very lucky their manager has to be happy. Not only were they the better team in the second half, but they also showed real fighting spirit to come from behind twice. They refused to be beaten and it's a real quality that they will need to show time and time again if they are to eclipse last seasons final position.
Premier League Week 4-Write up Reading v Tottenham
Reading 1-3 Tottenham
Tottenham started this season with high expectations however their performances in their first 3 games failed to meet what the fans had expected. With pressure mounting on Andre Villas Boas it seemed only a matter of time before the team either got going or the manager was going to be out of a job, thankfully for "AVB" his team has finally managed their first win under his guidance.
Going in to this match neither team had managed to get a win and whilst that was somewhat expected of Reading (who had played the always difficult Stoke and European Champions Chelsea) it wasn't expected from Tottenham (who had drawn with both West Brom and Norwich as well as losing to Newcastle) and both teams obviously needed the points.
The match started well for Tottenham who finally appeared to have found 3rd and 4th gears, and with in 20 minutes they had a well deserved lead though Jermain Defoe. Following the opening it looked like they were going to bang them in for fun and could easily have been out of site by half time due to their sheer domination of the match. Somehow Reading's defense stood resolute and managed to hold out at 1-0 for the first 45 minutes.
Tottenham's dominance finally paid off in the 71st minute as Gareth Bale doubled the Spurs lead before Defoe scored his second of the match to seal the 3 points with 15 minutes to go. Despite the 3-0 scoreline Reading fought on and chalked up a late consolation thanks to Hal Robson-Kanu, however the game was well done by then.
Reading struggled through out the game. This was admittedly no shock but they were thoroughly dominated by a team who were low on confidence themselves. The biggest surprise of the game was that Tottenham only managed 3, though that was in part due to Alex McCarthy who genuinely had a blinder filling in for Adam Federici. McCrthy aside there was little for Reading fans to take from this game other than solace in the fact that it's over.
The monkey is now off Andre Villas-Boas' back however he will need to keep his teaming playing like they did here. They looked strong and purposeful, they were able to take control of the game and showed a number of excellent threats in a game that their midfield ran, thanks mainly to Belgian Mousa Dembele who looks to be the missing jigsaw piece. If Spurs can build on this they can once again challenge for a Champions League position, however they do need to build on it quickly and can't waste any more games whilst the top teams run away from them
Tottenham started this season with high expectations however their performances in their first 3 games failed to meet what the fans had expected. With pressure mounting on Andre Villas Boas it seemed only a matter of time before the team either got going or the manager was going to be out of a job, thankfully for "AVB" his team has finally managed their first win under his guidance.
Going in to this match neither team had managed to get a win and whilst that was somewhat expected of Reading (who had played the always difficult Stoke and European Champions Chelsea) it wasn't expected from Tottenham (who had drawn with both West Brom and Norwich as well as losing to Newcastle) and both teams obviously needed the points.
The match started well for Tottenham who finally appeared to have found 3rd and 4th gears, and with in 20 minutes they had a well deserved lead though Jermain Defoe. Following the opening it looked like they were going to bang them in for fun and could easily have been out of site by half time due to their sheer domination of the match. Somehow Reading's defense stood resolute and managed to hold out at 1-0 for the first 45 minutes.
Tottenham's dominance finally paid off in the 71st minute as Gareth Bale doubled the Spurs lead before Defoe scored his second of the match to seal the 3 points with 15 minutes to go. Despite the 3-0 scoreline Reading fought on and chalked up a late consolation thanks to Hal Robson-Kanu, however the game was well done by then.
Reading struggled through out the game. This was admittedly no shock but they were thoroughly dominated by a team who were low on confidence themselves. The biggest surprise of the game was that Tottenham only managed 3, though that was in part due to Alex McCarthy who genuinely had a blinder filling in for Adam Federici. McCrthy aside there was little for Reading fans to take from this game other than solace in the fact that it's over.
The monkey is now off Andre Villas-Boas' back however he will need to keep his teaming playing like they did here. They looked strong and purposeful, they were able to take control of the game and showed a number of excellent threats in a game that their midfield ran, thanks mainly to Belgian Mousa Dembele who looks to be the missing jigsaw piece. If Spurs can build on this they can once again challenge for a Champions League position, however they do need to build on it quickly and can't waste any more games whilst the top teams run away from them
Thursday 20 September 2012
Premier League Week 4-Write up Sunderland v Liverpool
Sunderland 1-1 Liverpool
An emotional week for Liverpool fans may not have ended perfectly for their team but picking up a point in The Stadium Light will have eased some of their worries about the immediate Premier League future.
The match started well for Liverpool who really should have opened the scoring through Fabio Borini early on though sadly the Italian striker failed to put away either of his 2 early chances. Despite the good start for the visitors it was actually Sunderland who took the lead thanks to Steven Fletcher, who bagged his 3rd goal from 2 starts since moving from Wolves.
Having fallen behind Liverpool searched desperately for an equaliser and came close a number of times as they began to really boss the game with Sunderland looking to counter. Despite coming close a number of times Liverpool really struggled to carve open the defense and the chances were rarely clear cut, despite forcing Simon Mignolet in to action a number of times.
Despite Sunderland holding firm for much of the game Liverpool did eventually manage to bag an equaliser via the always controversial Luis Suarez who had previously been booked for diving. After the scores were level Liverpool looked like the only team likely to score a winner though they couldn't find a second goal despite trying to turn the screw.
Sunderland, just like Stoke bizarrely, are still unbeaten but with out a single victory, however they have taken a point from both Liverpool and Arsenal which was perhaps a little unexpected. The addition of Steven Fletcher to the team gives them what appears to be a real hit man up front capable of scoring the goals Sunderland need to make an impact in the Premier League this year.
Liverpool may not be a team who are going to challenge for a Premier League title but Brendon Rodgers is bringing his team along well. They are lacking a striker, Borini is, to be polite, not Premier League quality and whilst Suarez is a good player he's not a true goalscorer (and he's also a player who appears to have a poor temperament). Unless Liverpool can find an out and out goalscorer in the next few months they are going to struggle to win games against teams who have solid defenses. Don't get me wrong they play some beautiful football but they aren't a team with a lot of goals in them.
An emotional week for Liverpool fans may not have ended perfectly for their team but picking up a point in The Stadium Light will have eased some of their worries about the immediate Premier League future.
The match started well for Liverpool who really should have opened the scoring through Fabio Borini early on though sadly the Italian striker failed to put away either of his 2 early chances. Despite the good start for the visitors it was actually Sunderland who took the lead thanks to Steven Fletcher, who bagged his 3rd goal from 2 starts since moving from Wolves.
Having fallen behind Liverpool searched desperately for an equaliser and came close a number of times as they began to really boss the game with Sunderland looking to counter. Despite coming close a number of times Liverpool really struggled to carve open the defense and the chances were rarely clear cut, despite forcing Simon Mignolet in to action a number of times.
Despite Sunderland holding firm for much of the game Liverpool did eventually manage to bag an equaliser via the always controversial Luis Suarez who had previously been booked for diving. After the scores were level Liverpool looked like the only team likely to score a winner though they couldn't find a second goal despite trying to turn the screw.
Sunderland, just like Stoke bizarrely, are still unbeaten but with out a single victory, however they have taken a point from both Liverpool and Arsenal which was perhaps a little unexpected. The addition of Steven Fletcher to the team gives them what appears to be a real hit man up front capable of scoring the goals Sunderland need to make an impact in the Premier League this year.
Liverpool may not be a team who are going to challenge for a Premier League title but Brendon Rodgers is bringing his team along well. They are lacking a striker, Borini is, to be polite, not Premier League quality and whilst Suarez is a good player he's not a true goalscorer (and he's also a player who appears to have a poor temperament). Unless Liverpool can find an out and out goalscorer in the next few months they are going to struggle to win games against teams who have solid defenses. Don't get me wrong they play some beautiful football but they aren't a team with a lot of goals in them.
Premier League Week 4-Write up Stoke v Manchester City
Stoke 1-1 Manchester City
The Britannia Stadium has long been seen as a fortress for Stoke and it once again as they surprisingly picked up point against the champions in a a game that proved Stoke can give anyone a tough match on their day.
Despite being tough to beat at home few expected Stoke to actually take the lead against Manchester City but that's exactly what they did around 15 minutes in thanks to a controversial Peter Crouch goal that Roberto Mancini later described as being like "basketball". Whilst the goal it's self was controversial it was yet more proof that Manchester City have genuine defensive issues this season and after 4 Premier League games they have yet to keep a clean sheet.
Despite falling behind Manchester City again showed their fighting spirit and just 20 minutes later they equalised thanks to deubtant Javi Garcia who netted past Asmir Begovic to draw level. From then on it was almost all City who repeatedly came close to taking the lead as Stoke were forced to hold on. Despite probably deserving all 3 points Manchester City couldn't muster a second and will likely be kicking themselves for missing some great chances.
Stoke haven't had an easy start to the season but will feel very happy that they've managed to pick up points against both Arsenal and Manchester City already this season, two games where they were perhaps not expected to get anything. Despite having not lost a game so far in the Premier League they've also not won any this season. perhaps showing their biggest issue, they are hard to beat, but they lack a game winning killer instinct that they may need if they will to finish in the top half.
This is certainly a case of 2 points lost rather than 1 point earned for Manchester City who have again conceded against a team who took a chance despite being dominated. Until City manage to sort themselves out at the back they will struggle. They are excellent going forward and have a huge number of threats but seem completely unable to stop opponents scoring, against the top teams they will be punished.
The Britannia Stadium has long been seen as a fortress for Stoke and it once again as they surprisingly picked up point against the champions in a a game that proved Stoke can give anyone a tough match on their day.
Despite being tough to beat at home few expected Stoke to actually take the lead against Manchester City but that's exactly what they did around 15 minutes in thanks to a controversial Peter Crouch goal that Roberto Mancini later described as being like "basketball". Whilst the goal it's self was controversial it was yet more proof that Manchester City have genuine defensive issues this season and after 4 Premier League games they have yet to keep a clean sheet.
Despite falling behind Manchester City again showed their fighting spirit and just 20 minutes later they equalised thanks to deubtant Javi Garcia who netted past Asmir Begovic to draw level. From then on it was almost all City who repeatedly came close to taking the lead as Stoke were forced to hold on. Despite probably deserving all 3 points Manchester City couldn't muster a second and will likely be kicking themselves for missing some great chances.
Stoke haven't had an easy start to the season but will feel very happy that they've managed to pick up points against both Arsenal and Manchester City already this season, two games where they were perhaps not expected to get anything. Despite having not lost a game so far in the Premier League they've also not won any this season. perhaps showing their biggest issue, they are hard to beat, but they lack a game winning killer instinct that they may need if they will to finish in the top half.
This is certainly a case of 2 points lost rather than 1 point earned for Manchester City who have again conceded against a team who took a chance despite being dominated. Until City manage to sort themselves out at the back they will struggle. They are excellent going forward and have a huge number of threats but seem completely unable to stop opponents scoring, against the top teams they will be punished.
Premier League Week 4-Write up QPR v Chelsea
QPR 0-0 Chelsea
Going into this game the big story was whether or not Anton Ferdinand would shake the hand of John Terry. Unsurprisingly Ferdinand not only refused to shake Terry's hand but also refused to shake the hand of Ashley Cole, due in part to Cole's defense of Terry and the follow up charge aimed at Anton's brother Rio over "Choc Ice Gate". This sadly was the biggest story from the game which turned into a rather torrid derby affair.
Following the refused handshakes the game struggled to get going as both teams niggled at each other repeatedly and it seemed as if the game was stopping every 2 or 3 minutes due to one foul or another. It was fair to say the fouls were the big story of the match with Chelsea struggling to keep all 11 men on the pitch as the game both Ramires and Ryan Bertrand flirted with being sent off.
Whilst Chelsea were lucky not to have had at least 1 man sent off QPR were lucky not to have had a penalty awarded against them as Chelsea twice had great appeals turned down in a fiery game that provided little in the terms of real quality despite the players on the pitch. Interestingly however the aggressiveness of the challenges did seem to somewhat neutralise Eden Hazard, who, up to now, had seemed to dominate games at will.
QPR were there with a job to do and they did it well, showing great concentration and defensive toughness to hold off Chelsea. Whilst the result will be a boost to their faltering start to the season, they really need to hope that they can build on it and that it wasn't a 1-off driven by emotion.
For Chelsea this was a bit of a kick in all honesty. They not only showed a lack of discipline that saw them picking up 2 bookings that should probably both have been red but also a lack of maturity under the pressure and media spot light. The points they dropped here maybe the first points they've dropped so far this season but are perhaps a reminder that they aren't an unbeatable force, despite the additions of Hazard who was remarkably quiet here.
Going into this game the big story was whether or not Anton Ferdinand would shake the hand of John Terry. Unsurprisingly Ferdinand not only refused to shake Terry's hand but also refused to shake the hand of Ashley Cole, due in part to Cole's defense of Terry and the follow up charge aimed at Anton's brother Rio over "Choc Ice Gate". This sadly was the biggest story from the game which turned into a rather torrid derby affair.
Following the refused handshakes the game struggled to get going as both teams niggled at each other repeatedly and it seemed as if the game was stopping every 2 or 3 minutes due to one foul or another. It was fair to say the fouls were the big story of the match with Chelsea struggling to keep all 11 men on the pitch as the game both Ramires and Ryan Bertrand flirted with being sent off.
Whilst Chelsea were lucky not to have had at least 1 man sent off QPR were lucky not to have had a penalty awarded against them as Chelsea twice had great appeals turned down in a fiery game that provided little in the terms of real quality despite the players on the pitch. Interestingly however the aggressiveness of the challenges did seem to somewhat neutralise Eden Hazard, who, up to now, had seemed to dominate games at will.
QPR were there with a job to do and they did it well, showing great concentration and defensive toughness to hold off Chelsea. Whilst the result will be a boost to their faltering start to the season, they really need to hope that they can build on it and that it wasn't a 1-off driven by emotion.
For Chelsea this was a bit of a kick in all honesty. They not only showed a lack of discipline that saw them picking up 2 bookings that should probably both have been red but also a lack of maturity under the pressure and media spot light. The points they dropped here maybe the first points they've dropped so far this season but are perhaps a reminder that they aren't an unbeatable force, despite the additions of Hazard who was remarkably quiet here.
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